How do I become an extra?
I have no real desires to be an actor, I would, however, love to do some extra work. I think it would be fun and would be a cool side job to make a little extra cash. I’m in my mind 20’s and of average height and not bad looking and I live in NYC so I imagine there are plenty of opportunities. My problem is that there are a lot of scams round these parts that are out to take advantage of young naive actors coming to the city. On top of that I just don’t have a clue on how to enter this industry. So, where do I get started?
Also, if anyone has experiences with being an extra I would love to hear those, good or bad. Especially if you have specifics about agencies or what have you in NYC.
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12 Answers
@MrGeneVan Thanks for a completely worthless response.
Call any of these places, and they’ll tell you how to get started with them. They are all legit, as I’ve had to work with most of them at one time or another, especially Sylvia Fay and Grant Wilfley. And if they ask for a headshot – get a real headshot, not just your pal taking a snap of you against a white wall with his iPhone.
Good luck.
I’ve been thinking about that too.
I really like Law & Order and would love it to be an extra on it once.
My plan would be to write to the production-company, say i admire their show and just boldly ask for a small part in their series/movie.
AstroChuck must easily be one of the funniest Flutherers around, i find
Lurve
I’m in the Pittsburgh area and there are never any movies filmed here but I was able to find, by chance, on Craigslist, an extra gig. It was $100 dollars to spend a day at a basketball court that had been converted into a UFC fighting area and cheer on the “fighters”. It was easy and fun.
But yeah, I’d suggest Craigslist. And seeing as how you’re in NY, I’m sure theres tons of these things. Just use your judgement and look for ones that seem real and not spammy.
It depends on what show you’re in, i had a horrible experience doing a TV show for Univison a Spanish station here in Miami. It was long annoying and boring, yes you do get paid for sitting and doing nothing, but it is a hell of a patience test.
Yes, if you’re doing it for the money, you’re better off selling plasma.
Learn a particular skill set.
Since I do parkour, our group’s been invited here and there from commercials to a music video. Although more often, they get us for stunt work/doubles work, some get us for extras and roles as well.
Also join some prod related/independent egroups. Sometimes they post wanted ads if they need extras for a shoot. Some require auditions while others just ask you to show up.
I’m not from NYC though.
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